Best of Plymouth 2011

Photo: Katie Pauls

As fundamental and basic as the ABCs are to the English language, so too are these places, services and people to Plymouth. We present the winners of our annual readers’ choice survey, the Best of Plymouth. These businesses are the foundation upon which our strong/connected community is built—so named by you, our readers. So without further ado, your alphabet of 2011 finalists.

A is for Abode
From inspiration for places like the Plymouth Ice Arena to the local Famous Dave’s, the design philosophy of Shea Inc. focuses on the whole package, rather than nitpicking individual elements. Tanya Spaulding, a principal for Shea, says, “We look at every space and see what kind of experience we want to create.” For Best Interior Designer, we have David Shea to thank for making area workplaces like second homes; thank goodness employees aren’t stuck in a beige box all day! 100 N. 6th St. Ste. 650C, Mpls.; 612.339.2257
Runners up: Gayle Crummer, Interiors by Mona, Larson Kerrison Interiors, My D’zign

B is for Brain-freeze
As in the delicious kind you get when you indulge in one of Cold Stone Creamery’s many delicious treats. Winner again of Best Dessert, this place shows what dedicated ice cream connoisseurs Plymouthites can be. New in 2010: Gold Cone flavor of the month, which for June is chocolate hazelnut. 3505 Vicksburg Ln. N. #700; 763.694.8903
Runners up: Dairy Queen, Truffles & Tortes

C is for Creative and Colorful
Bachman’s has a wide array of floral offerings, and its bouquet department is a surefire go-to when you’re in need of that live and lively mood freshener (or last-minute gift). That’s why you picked it for Best Florist in town. We present to you the Beach Ball bouquet ($150), 10050 6th Ave. N.; 763.541.1188
Runners up: Dundee, Lunds

D is for Dirt-digging
And it’s for Dundee Nursery and Landscape, too! Plymouth has notoriously heavy clay soil, and landscape designer Sarah Lloyd says concerns about how to deal with it lead to the top three requests you bring to the table: redoing and updating the plantings around the house (foundation plantings), redoing the front entryway and installing back patio space. Since Dundee designers specialize in landscape planting—trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, hardscape construction—retaining walls, patios and walkways, and novelty features—fire pits, water features and accent lighting. Hot this season are the new dwarf shrubs. “People love dwarf versions of things because they won’t have to spend any time pruning or trimming them to keep them the right size,” Lloyd says. “Everyone wants low/no maintenance these days. If that dwarf shrub can pack a punch of color or have something unique about it, all the better.” Plymouthites also continue to expand their living spaces outside, and thus order outdoor fireplaces.  “These are being made into kits of all shapes and sizes, and are thus getting more and more affordable,” she says. “I just have always been very environmental …  I enjoy designing and installing patios and fire pits because they are elements in the landscape that encourage people to get out in their yards and spend some time enjoying the fresh air and their surroundings.” 16800 Hwy. 55; 763.559.4004
Runners up: Hedberg, Bachman’s

E is for Editor’s Pick
Don’t get us wrong; we LOVE our ice cream. But we really feel we can’t speak of dessert without mentioning Plymouth’s own Truffles & Tortes. In business here 11 years now, owner and executive pastry chef Rhonda Siebert says her secret to local longevity is “paying attention to quality and customer service.” We recommend the lemon raspberry torte, or for you chocoholics out there, the triple chocolate mousse. As Siebert says, “Who can resist chocolate?” Closed Sunday through Wednesday, you have to be planning ahead to indulge in these decadent treats. 72 Nathan Ln.; 763.512.0944
Runners up: The Foursome, Woody’s

F is for Family Fun
When you’re looking to get out of the house for dinner but don’t feel like dragging the kids to a swanky place downtown, Red Robin is the place to be. Voted the No. 1 most kid-friendly restaurant, Red Robin is a place where it’s OK for your kids to make a scene, because guess what? The 4-year-old feasting on the Carnival Corn Dog ($3.99) at the table next to you is doing the same thing. The restaurant boasts an extensive kids menu with many healthy and nutritious options, including main dishes like Cheesy Mac ‘N Cheesy ($4.79) and sides like steak fries, mandarin oranges, melon slices and baby carrots with ranch dip. Red Robin got its start in Seattle in 1969, and Minnesota is home to three locations. So, the next time your little ones are begging for root beer floats ($1.99), you’ll know where to take them. 2669 Campus Dr.; 763.559.7576
Runners up: Perkins, Applebee’s

G is for Grooming
Whether you have dogs or cats, avoid keeping a smelly pet with regular upkeep. In Plymouth, you always can rely on PetSmart for Best Pet Grooming. Academy-trained groomers will go beyond a basic shampoo, blow dry, brush and trim by cleaning your pet’s ears and scissoring feet in their Bath, Brush & More option. 4190 Vinewood Ln.; 763.551.8999
Runner up: The Doggie Salon

H is for Happy Homes
LDK and Pillar Homes tied for Best Builders because, at their core, they build what clients want. According to LDK’s Scott Koppendrayer, it takes time to go over every desire and need (sometimes as much as 40–60 hours pre-construction), but it’s worth it. Pillar Homes calls upon a team of architects, interior designers and landscape architects in order to address every detail. 8242 125th Ave. Milaca; 763.268.9232 // 1700 Niagara Ln.; 763.475.1700
Runners up: Stonewood, Brent Latuff

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